Spray Foam Coalition Comments on California 'Priority Products List' Workshop

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 3, 2014 – The California Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) Safer Consumer Products Program held a public workshop In Oakland to gather input on the initial Priority Products list before the official rulemaking process begins. The Spray Foam Coalition, a self-funded group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), released the following statement after the workshop:

"The Spray Foam Coalition, a self-funded group of the American Chemistry Council, representing manufacturers of materials used in Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), continues to be deeply disappointed that DTSC appears to willfully disregard significant research data and safety information related to SPF. We believe DTSC inappropriately selected a well-managed product that is important to the state's building industry and can help the state achieve its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

"The health and safety of SPF workers and consumers are top priorities for the polyurethane industry, and extensive product stewardship efforts are in place to ensure the safe handling and use of SPF. Comprehensive resources on safety and personal protection for installers, as well as best practices and training for users of all SPF products, are readily available in English and in Spanish. We are proud of these programs and welcome the opportunity to clarify the importance of and reasons for these measures.

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 'completely cured products are fully reacted and therefore are considered to be inert and non-toxic.' The SPF insulation used in homes, schools and other public buildings is considered cured when it reaches its end-use state. This process occurs during the building phase, and studies have shown that this process only takes between 30 minutes and two hours to complete after application.

"By continuing to maintain and rely on incomplete, inaccurate and otherwise unscientific information, DTSC is causing economic harm to insulation manufacturers, installers and homebuilders—all of which are still rebounding from the recent economic downturn. The building industry in particular relies heavily on SPF, which has a unique combination of attributes that enable it to be used in any climate to maximize the energy efficiency of buildings and strengthen certain building components."

About The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry of the American Chemistry Council: CPI promotes the sustainable development of polyurethanes. Our members are U.S. producers or distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane or manufacturers of polyurethane products. For more information, please use the contact information and links provided below.